UAE arrests Al Qaeda-linked cell

Dubai, April 18, 2013

The United Arab Emirates said on Thursday it had arrested a seven-member group linked to Al Qaeda which was planning actions against the country's security.

State news agency Wam said the members were of various Arab nationalities and had been recruiting, financing and providing logistical support to Al Qaeda. They had also sought to expand their activities to other countries in the region, Wam said.

"The cell was planning actions that would target the country's security and the safety of its citizens and residents, and was carrying out recruitment, and promoting the actions of al Qaeda," Wam said.

"It was also supplying it (Al Qaeda) with money and providing logistical support and seeking to expand its activities to some regional countries," Wam said.

In December the UAE said it had arrested a cell of UAE and Saudi Arabian members of a "deviant group" which was planning to carry out militant attacks in both countries and other states. The phrase "the deviant group" is often used by authorities in Saudi Arabia to describe Al Qaeda members. - Reuters